Motoring
Bentley Mulliner and Supriya Lele unveil exclusive bespoke colour ‘Nīla Blue’ in latest collaboration

- Fashion designer, Supriya Lele, has created a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, inspired by her Indian heritage
- Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft
- To showcase Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes
- A Bespoke Bentayga S provides a canvas for Nila Blue exterior paintwork with pinstripes to the 22” sports wheels
- Nīla Blue is as an example of how Mulliner can create unique colours from client’s aspirations through bespoke craftsmanship
- Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers
Bentley Motors is proud to announce the continuation of its creative collaboration with acclaimed British fashion designer, Supriya Lele, unveiling a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, which will be available exclusively to Mulliner customers. Deeply inspired by Lele’s Indian heritage, Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft. This distinctive hue, infused with personal and cultural significance, represents the seamless fusion of automotive luxury and high fashion, reflecting the ultimate in craftsmanship, innovation, and personalised expression.
Bentley Mulliner is renowned for its ability to craft virtually any colour imaginable. Whether inspired by the world of fashion, art, or personal memory, Mulliner’s artisans work closely with each client to develop bespoke paints that reflect individual vision and style. Nīla Blue stands as an example of how Mulliner can create something wholly unique, translating a client’s aspirations into a lasting expression of craftsmanship.
Known for her sensual, delicately crafted, and body-celebrating silhouettes, Lele has always been inspired by the colour blue, a shade she frequently uses in her fashion collections. Her connection to the colour is rooted in her Indian heritage and further influenced by William Gass’s 1976 philosophical treatise ‘On Blue,’ which explores the symbolic significance of blue in relation to themes of sex, sleaze, and sadness. This bespoke hue, subtle yet distinctive, echoes the sense of luxurious restraint and enduring elegance that defines both her collections and Mulliner’s design philosophy.
To showcase Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes. A bespoke Bentayga S provides a stunning canvas, to display the uniquely commissioned Nila Blue. The lower brightware has been matched with the rest of the exterior paintwork and using the freshly commissioned blue, a pinstripe has been added to the 22” sports style wheels. A bright Mulliner White accent to the carbon fibre bodykit provides a contrast that is echoed through to the interior. The interior includes a multitude of bespoke features, from the satin black Naim audio speaker grilles to the open pore black stained crown cut walnut veneers, all bordered by the Nila Blue edging. This exclusive edition embodies the bold and elevated confidence that defines Lele’s fashion work, featuring luxurious and experimental fabrication that evolves the fluid silhouettes synonymous with her label.
Supriya Lele, commented: “Creating the colour for Bentley has been an exciting and special experience. Colour plays a key role in both my practice and brand identity. This shade of blue feels distinctive yet subtle, slightly different from the usual. It’s this nuanced difference—the inability to exactly define it—that I love about creativity. I incorporate this subtlety into my work, so collaborating with Bentley to bring this unique color to life using my own references and brand has been truly rewarding.”
David Parker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulliner, commented: “The Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Studio continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. This collaboration invites customers to explore a world where the only limits are those of the imagination. Nīla Blue is an expression of subtlety and depth, a tone that reflects both Supriya’s artistic vision and Mulliner’s expertise in crafting the finest bespoke finishes. It is a hue that speaks to the discerning tastes of those who appreciate quiet luxury.”
Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers.
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Costa Blanca
What happens if you overtake the Guardia Civil on the road?

It is highly probable that you have encountered a Guardia Civil vehicle at some point and have contemplated whether or not to overtake it. The DGT’s recommendation and the consequences of doing so are as follows.
It is crucial to have a clear understanding of how to respond to the authorities. Therefore, what are the consequences if you overtake the Guardia Civil on the road? Well, the Directorate General of Traffic has a clue.
It is probable that you encountered a Guardia Civil vehicle while travelling. At that moment, you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to succeed. There is no need for concern, as this type of situation is a relatively common occurrence.
It is a relatively prevalent occurrence in rural areas, where the Guardia Civil is more prevalent, on secondary roads.
There are numerous drivers who are apprehensive about passing a Guardia Civil vehicle. Nevertheless, there is no regulation prohibiting the overtaking of official vehicles. This includes not only vehicles belonging to theGuardia Civil, but also those belonging to the National Police and the Army.
The initial response is affirmative. As we have previously noted, the General Traffic Regulations do not prohibit overtaking the Guardia Civil at any time. Passing these vehicles is not detrimental. This is true only if you adhere to the traffic regulations.
In reality, it is a prevalent practice among numerous motorists to abruptly decelerate when they observe a Guardia Civil vehicle, which can be hazardous to the vehicles in their rearview mirrors. That can result in a fine.
In the same vein, if you exhibit unusual behaviour while driving that could impede traffic or arouse suspicions among officers, they may halt you to determine whether there is a problem or if everything is in order.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to consider the law when overtaking any vehicle, not just a Guardia Civil vehicle. Drivers are required to respect the maximum speed limit of the road they are on: On motorways and dual carriageways, the speed limit is 120 km/h, while on secondary highways, it is 90 km/h.
Consequently, if you attempt to outpace a Guardia Civil vehicle travelling at 90 km/h on the highway, you will be subject to a fine. However, the same principle applies when a radar or Pegasus helicopter detects a vehicle surpassing another. There is no issue if the vehicle is travelling at a reduced speed.
The DGT’s hint
According to the DGT, “overtaking is the act of passing another moving vehicle, which is travelling at a slower speed, in front of the vehicle you are operating.” Generally, you should overtake on the left side of the vehicle you intend to overtake.
Overtaking is a complex manoeuvre that entails a moderate level of risk, particularly on secondary roads, as it necessitates the temporary occupation of the opposite lane.
Consequently, overtaking is only permissible at designated locations when traffic signs authorise it. The DGT suggests that the safety rule “rearview mirror – signal – manoeuvre” be implemented in this context, with the awareness that quicker vehicles may be approaching from behind.
It is crucial to bear in mind that the Traffic Department has eradicated the additional 20 km/h margin for overtaking on conventional roads since the end of 2021. Consequently, the utmost permissible speed is 90 km/h, and it is prohibited to exceed it to overtake another vehicle.
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Renault delivers a fleet of 700 E-Tech full hybrid vehicles ‘Made in Spain’ to Eiffage Energía Sistemas

Eiffage Energía Sistemas, a company specialising in electrical infrastructure, installations, maintenance, renewable energy, civil engineering and construction, has added 700 Renault vehicles to its fleet in an operation carried out jointly with the leasing operator Northgate Renting Flexible, a leader in the field of professional mobility.
The delivery of the first units took place at the offices of Eiffage Energía Sistemas, located in Albacete, in an event attended by Eduardo González de la Rocha, commercial and marketing director of Northgate, José Manuel Martínez, CEO and delegate of Eiffage in Spain, and Sébastien Guigues, general manager of Renault and Alpine in Spain.
Commitment to sustainability
The three entities share a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and moving towards more sustainable mobility. For this reason, this fleet of 700 vehicles is made up of hybrid vehicles that significantly reduce emissions in the urban and interurban areas where they will operate. In addition, by having an Eco environmental badge, they allow access and free movement in low-emission zones.
The vehicles chosen are the Renault Captur, Austral, Symbioz and Rafale, all manufactured in Spain and with E-Tech full hybrid engines that respond to the diverse needs of Eiffage Energía Sistemas.
In addition, it is also complemented by 60 units of the New Dacia Duster TCe 130 4×4, a model characterised by its versatility.
E-Tech full hybrid technology: technological and commercial leadership
Renault’s early commitment to developing a complete range of electric vehicles in 2011 has provided an unbeatable knowledge base for designing its E-Tech full hybrid technology. The knowledge acquired in terms of efficiency and energy management has led the brand to combine 1 combustion engine, 2 electric motors, 1 traction battery and 1 intelligent multi-mode gearbox. Thanks to this, the E-Tech full hybrid range is a benchmark in terms of emissions – 20 g CO 2 lower than its competitors – and low consumption – 1 l/100 km lower -. In addition, this technology allows up to 80% of driving to be done in electric mode in urban environments, resulting in highly enjoyable and efficient driving.
Thanks to this, Renault has positioned itself as the second brand that sells the most hybrids in Spain.
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63% of young Spaniards under 30 consider that their car is essential in their everyday life

The Cetelem Observatory has published the Europe Automotive Study 2025, which analyses the relationship between young people and mobility and the automobile in 10 European countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Portugal), as well as in China, the United States, Japan and Turkey.
Contrary to what one might initially think, young people are not disconnected from the car, but quite the opposite. As soon as they are legally allowed to do so, they are eager to get behind the wheel. Thus, a driving licence becomes an early necessity. In Spain, 38% of drivers obtained their driving licence at the age of 18, two points higher than the European average. Another 27% obtained it between the ages of 19 and 20, the same percentage as the European average; and 23% between the ages of 21 and 25, compared to 20% in Europe. Only 12% say they obtained their driving licence at the age of over 25.
Buying the first car
Half of young Europeans under 20 years of age living in cities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants already own a vehicle.
However, financial constraints for young people when it comes to buying a vehicle remain strong. 6 out of 10 Europeans aged between 18 and 29 consider the price of a car to be too expensive. For this reason, 59% of Europeans under 30 buy their first used car, compared to 41% who buy a new one. In the case of Spain, it stands out above the European average in buying a new car as a first vehicle, with 56% of the mentions.
The average price in Europe for buying a first car is €13,985. Spain is above the average with an average cost of €15,625.
As for motorisation, petrol cars are the preferred choice for young Europeans, followed by electric and diesel cars.
The image of the car improves
According to the study, 7 out of 10 young Europeans say they enjoy driving. In addition, 1 in 2 people under 30 believe that their image of cars has improved over the last five years. Only 14% say it has deteriorated. It also highlights that this improvement in the image of cars is greater in cities than in rural areas, due to the growing importance of electric and hybrid cars in urban environments.
Young people are committed to mobility
For 6 out of 10 European drivers under 30, living their whole life without a car is unimaginable. French and Americans are the most reluctant to the idea of living without a car, while Turks, Poles and Chinese are more receptive.
However, the car is not everything, young people are considering different ways of getting around. Thus, we see that the use of the bicycle as a means of transport has gained ground for 7 out of 10 young people. The Netherlands and Poland are the countries that are most receptive to travelling by bicycle, while Portugal, the United States and the United Kingdom are the most reluctant.
Among the alternative means of transport used by young people, car sharing comes in second place, with 50% of young people stating that they use it.
Among young people who have at least one vehicle in their home, 57% say they also travel on foot on a daily basis, followed by 52% who use public transport.
In addition, 8 out of 10 young people also say that a car is essential for their daily life.
Safety, freedom and practicality are the three qualities of the car that young people most value.
Purchasing criteria
Rationality prevails when it comes to purchasing criteria. 45% of drivers under 30 consider price as the main factor when buying a car. However, this criterion is less important for them compared to older drivers, with a difference of almost 10 points. Both generations point to safety as the second most important purchasing criterion.
In addition, 9 out of 10 young drivers consider the information provided by brands important before making a decision.
The environmental image of the car
Almost half of young people consider cars to be the main cause of climate change. Cars are also cited as the main source of pollution in cities, especially among young people, with 64% of mentions.
It is also worth noting that 52% of drivers under 30 consider that the environmental measures imposed on cars and their use are sufficient, compared to 24% who consider them insufficient. 13%, on the other hand, believe that they are excessive.
The electric car, synonymous with progress
84% of young people say that technological advances will improve the environmental impact of cars. This is a point of view shared by all generations. In addition, 1 in 2 young people see electric cars as a more environmentally friendly means of transport, compared to 1 in 4 of those over 50 years of age.
In this sense, young people are enthusiastic about the future of the electric car, with 47% believing that it will be more relevant in the coming years. This contrasts with the opinion of those over 50, who are more cautious about this, with only 30% believing that it will be more relevant. 60% of young people also believe that the electric car will replace combustion cars in the future.
Methodology
The economic and marketing analyses as well as forecasts were carried out in collaboration with the research and consulting company C-Ways.
Fieldwork for the quantitative consumer surveys was conducted by Harris Interactive from June 25 to July 9, 2024 in 14 countries: Belgium, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A total of 16,000 online surveys (CAWI method, 3,000 in France and 1,000 in each of the other countries) were conducted with the general population aged between 18 and 65, with nationally representative samples in each country. The representativeness of the sample is guaranteed by the quota method (sex, age).
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